Serbian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kosovo issued a joint statement following the alleged police mistreatment of a minor detained in connection with an interethnic incident in Mitrovica. “According to the actions we witnessed last night, every resident of northern Kosovo, regardless of age, gender, or any alleged guilt, is exposed to the risk of police violence,” they said.
Kosovo police detained six minors on suspicion of involvement in an interethnic altercation in North Mitrovica. Among those taken into custody were three Serbs, one Bosniak, and two Albanians.
Three Serbian minors, all around 14 years old, were released shortly after being mistakenly arrested, while the remaining detainees were freed later that night due to their minor status. The case remains under investigation. One of the released minors, of Bosniak ethnicity, reported experiencing mistreatment while in police custody.
Three Serb Minors Detained in North Mitrovica Released After Police Admit Mistake
Police Deny Misconduct Allegations
Kosovo police have denied any wrongdoing, stating they were unaware of any acts of violence committed by officers. Authorities have encouraged anyone with evidence of misconduct to report it to the Police Inspectorate of Kosovo (KPI).
However, Serbian NGOs strongly condemned the actions of the police, calling their behavior unprofessional and ethnically biased. They criticized what they described as the arbitrary arrest of Serbian minors, arguing that it was conducted without justification, parental notification, and with excessive force.
Violation of Child Protection Laws
The NGOs pointed to violations of the Child Protection Law, which prohibits physical punishment, degrading treatment, and any form of violence against children, including by law enforcement. They also referenced the Juvenile Justice Law, which states that depriving minors of their liberty should be a last resort and for the shortest duration possible. Minors, according to the law, must be treated humanely and with respect for their dignity and right to legal representation.
“Last night’s incident further highlights the concerning security situation faced by the Serbian and other minority communities in northern Kosovo, as it confirms that the greatest threat to security comes from the institution that is supposed to guarantee it – the Kosovo Police,” the NGOs stated.
“This means that, according to the actions we witnessed last night, every resident of northern Kosovo, regardless of age, gender, or any alleged guilt, is exposed to the risk of police violence.”
Call for Proportional Ethnic Representation in Local Police
The Serbian civil society groups are calling for urgent action from the KPI, as well as a strong diplomatic initiative from the European Union and the United States to restore proportional ethnic representation in the local police force. They emphasized the necessity of appointing a Kosovo Serb as regional police commander, in accordance with agreements such as the Brussels Agreement.
They called for increased EULEX monitoring of the Kosovo police in the region, particularly regarding alleged ethnically biased conduct.
The organizations warned that the lack of institutional accountability underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to ensure the protection of Serbian and other non-majority communities, as well as the implementation of international agreements designed to safeguard their rights.
Allegations of Police Brutality in North Mitrovica: A 16-Year-Old Claims Beatings in Custody
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